THE COLORS OF CRIME

Angelo started to climb into the unmarked car when the man approached him. "Lieutenant Valarri, may I talk to you?" He had a defeated expression and a haggard look suggesting a few sleepless nights at least. "Certainly," Angelo answered as he straightened up. "My barn burned down night before last and no one'll do anything." "Mr...?" "Stopper. I live on Nine Mile Road." Angelo didn't recall reading about the fire in the paper. "Mr. Stopper, I don't have anything to do with fires. Why see me?" "Because it was arson." Angelo nodded while studying the intense face. "You'll have to take that up with the fire marshal or the fire inspector. I wouldn't get involved unless it was established there was a crime committed." "Arson isn't a crime anymore?" "Of course, Mr. Stopper, but there's an established routine. If the inspector is convinced arson is involved the case is turned over to our division. So far, I haven't received any report on your situation." The man stood silent, not making any effort to leave. After a long minute Angelo shrugged. "I'm sorry. I can only recommend you talk to the fire marshal." "What'll I say? Ted Hanson, you set my barn on fire so file an arson report?" Angelo held up a hand. "Wait a minute. I'm not certain I'm getting this straight. Are you saying the fire marshal set your barn on fire?" "Maybe not him personally but he's responsible for the fire." "Let's go in my office?" Angelo planned on getting donuts for the men but it would have to wait. "I've been to the station on numerous occasions and it's a wonderful place for exercise but I'm in no mood for it now." "Exercise? Now I am confused." "Maybe you are but I'm not. If I want the run-around I'll go to the high school track but what I want now is some satisfaction for once." This is one hopping kangaroo, Angelo thought as he studied the taut sternness in the man's face. "Mr. Stopper, what would you like me to do?" "Come out to my place this afternoon." "I'll do that right after lunch." After getting directions, Angelo waited until the man drove off then got into his car while shaking his head. A strange duck, he thought as he eased out into traffic toward the donut shop. That afternoon Angelo drove out to the edge of town, turned up a long dirt drive then came to a stop around behind the well-kept farmhouse. There were two small outbuildings and a pile of rubble off to the left still smoldering slightly in the center. As soon as the car came to a stop Tom Stopper came out following a pair of enormous and snarling German Shepherds that sprinted over to the car and leaped at the window. Tom laid a hand on the door of Angelo's car and the dogs immediately became placid. "It's all right to come out," he said loudly through the hastily closed window. "I trained them very well so no one can set foot on my property unless I want them to." Angelo hesitated after opening the door cautiously then slowly slipped one leg out. Someone should have a talk with this guy about training killers. "Where were these monsters the night of the fire?" "In the house. I have to keep them there if I'm inside otherwise they'd kill whoever is around. They can't determine the difference between friend or enemy." "I'm not sure it's a good idea," Angelo uttered then decided against lecturing. "You're saying no one